BMW E39 estate vs Audi C6 A6 estate?
Discussion
Which is better? I'm looking at classified ads for both, the BMW is a 2002, and the Audi is 2006 (first year of that newer C6 generation).
The BMW is a 525i, and the Audi is a 3.2FSI Quattro.
I need an estate, and I've really wanted an E39 for so long, but now that a half decent one has finally become available, I'm a bit meh about it. Maybe it's the silver plastic interior trim on black leather that's not really doing it for me. It's funny though because before I thought I wouldn't hesitate as soon as one became available, and I've never really liked Audi.
The BMW is a 525i, and the Audi is a 3.2FSI Quattro.
I need an estate, and I've really wanted an E39 for so long, but now that a half decent one has finally become available, I'm a bit meh about it. Maybe it's the silver plastic interior trim on black leather that's not really doing it for me. It's funny though because before I thought I wouldn't hesitate as soon as one became available, and I've never really liked Audi.
Which is better? I'm looking at classified ads for both, the BMW is a 2002, and the Audi is 2006 (first year of that newer C6 generation).
The BMW is a 525i, and the Audi is a 3.2FSI Quattro.
I need an estate, and I've really wanted an E39 for so long, but now that a half decent one has finally become available, I'm a bit meh about it. Maybe it's the silver plastic interior trim on black leather that's not really doing it for me. It's funny though because before I thought I wouldn't hesitate as soon as one became available, and I've never really liked Audi.
The BMW is a 525i, and the Audi is a 3.2FSI Quattro.
I need an estate, and I've really wanted an E39 for so long, but now that a half decent one has finally become available, I'm a bit meh about it. Maybe it's the silver plastic interior trim on black leather that's not really doing it for me. It's funny though because before I thought I wouldn't hesitate as soon as one became available, and I've never really liked Audi.
I had a E39 530i saloon. Great car. Only had to do the odd thing to it. Best 2k I spent on a car. Handled so well. There’s a reason a lot say it’s one of the best BMW’s made.
If you can stretch to the 530i I’d highly recommend it!
Prices have risen on them, but I think most cars have risen due to the current climate.
Have a look at d_a_n1979 thread here. His E39 touring is a beauty!
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
If you can stretch to the 530i I’d highly recommend it!
Prices have risen on them, but I think most cars have risen due to the current climate.
Have a look at d_a_n1979 thread here. His E39 touring is a beauty!
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
logan-1986 said:
Which is better? I'm looking at classified ads for both, the BMW is a 2002, and the Audi is 2006 (first year of that newer C6 generation).
The BMW is a 525i, and the Audi is a 3.2FSI Quattro.
I need an estate, and I've really wanted an E39 for so long, but now that a half decent one has finally become available, I'm a bit meh about it. Maybe it's the silver plastic interior trim on black leather that's not really doing it for me. It's funny though because before I thought I wouldn't hesitate as soon as one became available, and I've never really liked Audi.
Depends on what you want...The BMW is a 525i, and the Audi is a 3.2FSI Quattro.
I need an estate, and I've really wanted an E39 for so long, but now that a half decent one has finally become available, I'm a bit meh about it. Maybe it's the silver plastic interior trim on black leather that's not really doing it for me. It's funny though because before I thought I wouldn't hesitate as soon as one became available, and I've never really liked Audi.
The E39 is cheaper to maintain and to run; plus its chain driven. No issues to worry about there. But really, for decent comparison, you need to be looking into a 530i touring
I'm not an Audi fan either; they are good cars though; don't get me wrong. But for someone of my build, I've always found the BMWs to be a better suited car the the E39 touring is a belter of a car; it was when it came out and still is now!
The interior of an E39 can be soon swapped out; trim can be changed, 30mins is all it takes to do the interior as it all unclips bar the centre console which is just a few extra screws etc; you can pick up spare interior trim and have it wrapped or hydro-dipped to whatever finish you want
Interiors can be soon swapped out; the E39s are being broken all the time by trusted breakers on eBay & Facebook
I am biased; the E39 is a superb car; but IMO, not one to be run on a shoestring budget. But compared to the Audi; it's a walk in the park when it comes to parts, part prices and repair costs as well as running costs
Do you have links to the cars you're considering?
Thank you to everyone for your replies. These are the two cars in question:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010255...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011286...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010255...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011286...
rassi said:
Agreed with the previous poster, and the Audi will be far less rusty - unfortunately the bane of E39s now.
That's such a shame that they're going rusty now. I have an E46 330ci and it's so perfect in every way except for some rust which are has started developing on the sill from where someone dinged it with a trolley and I stupidly didn't get it repaired :-(logan-1986 said:
Thank you to everyone for your replies. These are the two cars in question:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010255...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011286...
My reply is as abovehttps://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010255...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011286...
I stand by what I said; the Audi does look superb and very low miles... But what does or will it need in preventative maintenance to keep it going
And Seymour Pope are known for their 'interesting' pricing...
The 525i albeit not them fastest; is still a superb car with a good spec; in a superb colour IMO and on Team Dynamic alloys, fairly rare
Bulletproof M54 engine; can have issues (oil leaks, generally gaskets and dirt cheap to fix); can have cooling system issues (mainly the eater pump & stat; but again, dirt cheap to fix) etc...
It's all down to what you want from the car; what it's going to be used for and how DIY you are when it comes to fixing bits and maintenance etc
The 5 forums is a superb resource for the E39 too; my E39 touring project is on there and also what Luke linked to, above:
https://forum.bmw5.co.uk/topic/136573-here-we-go-a...
Bowlers said:
I’d pick the E39 from the examples. Looks like it could be a import(JDM)? Might be cleaner underneath if it is, which is a bonus (rust).
A6 C6 are screwed together well, cruiser if a bit lifeless to drive. Unless we are talking S6/RS6.
Yes it's an import; JDM/US spec plate plinth on the front behind the stupid UK width plate...A6 C6 are screwed together well, cruiser if a bit lifeless to drive. Unless we are talking S6/RS6.
It's 2 screws to remove; or just fit an import sized plate...
A 14 year old Audi will be just as troublesome as an old E39. Unless you've imported something from a dry climate, both will be rusty, needy old bangers. Audis can rot pretty well too. An E39 that has seen 18 British winters however will be a nightmare.
There are plenty of decent estates for 1500 quid or so - Accord, V70 etc.
There are plenty of decent estates for 1500 quid or so - Accord, V70 etc.
As a serial e39 owner I may be slightly biased but I'd choose an e39! Probably not the one in the advert above as even though it looks in very good condition and seems highly specced (I've never seen a non M5 e39 with extended leather) I think it's over priced for a 525i, I'd want a 530i or 540i for £6k, those alloys don't suit it at all either IMO.
Also, the silver plastic interior trim in an e39 isn't plastic, it's real, actual aluminium.
Also, the silver plastic interior trim in an e39 isn't plastic, it's real, actual aluminium.
Edited by njw1 on Tuesday 1st December 17:57
Touring442 said:
A 14 year old Audi will be just as troublesome as an old E39. Unless you've imported something from a dry climate, both will be rusty, needy old bangers. Audis can rot pretty well too. An E39 that has seen 18 British winters however will be a nightmare.
There are plenty of decent estates for 1500 quid or so - Accord, V70 etc.
The E39 the op is asking about is an import. He's got another thread going in the Buying Cars section... There are plenty of decent estates for 1500 quid or so - Accord, V70 etc.
njw1 said:
As a serial e39 owner I may be slightly biased but I'd choose an e39! Probably not the one in the advert above as even though it looks in very good condition and seems highly specced (I've never seen a non M5 e39 with extended leather) I think it's over priced for a 525i, I'd want a 530i or 540i for £6k, those alloys don't suit it at all either IMO.
Also, the silver plastic interior trim in an e39 isn't plastic, it's real, actual aluminium.
Overpriced for a UK 525i yup, but for an import with that spec & the condition it'll be in. Its about right IMO Also, the silver plastic interior trim in an e39 isn't plastic, it's real, actual aluminium.
Edited by njw1 on Tuesday 1st December 17:57
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